Former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, has reportedly been released from the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) and subsequently taken into custody by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Although there has been no official confirmation, media reports suggest that Emefiele is currently undergoing interrogation at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja.
Emefiele has been in the custody of the DSS since June, following his suspension by President Bola Tinubu. The DSS had stated that Emefiele was in their custody for “some investigative reasons”.
In July, Emefiele appeared before a Federal High Court in Lagos where he was arraigned on a two-count charge related to the “illegal possession” of firearms. He was subsequently granted bail in the sum of N20 million.
However, on August 17, the Federal Government withdrew the two-count charge, resulting in its subsequent dismissal. Nevertheless, Emefiele now faces an additional 20 charges brought against him by the Federal Government, including conspiracy to engage in procurement fraud and other illegal activities.
On September 22, the CBN officially confirmed Emefiele’s resignation, following the appointment and confirmation of Olayemi Cardoso as the substantive governor of the apex bank.
The EFCC is yet to provide an official statement regarding Emefiele’s detention.
